I have perfumed my bed with myrrh, aloes, and cinnamon – Proverbs 7:17
Cinnamon has been around since Biblical times. Imported to Egypt as early as 2000 BC, it was used for embalming their dead and for flavoring food and cosmetics. It is believed that Moses used it as an anointing oil. Cinnamon was so highly valued that it was among ancient nations that it was a gift fit for royalty and even a deity.
In the book of Proverbs, King Solomon wrote of a prostitute who used cinnamon to perfume her bed. She’s trying to entice an naïve young man into her home, urging him, “Come on, let’s take our fill of love until morning, for my husband is away on a long trip. He has taken a wallet full of money with him and won’t return for several days,” (Proverbs 7:18-20, TLB). The poor guy gives into her and goes to her like a bird flying into a snare, not knowing the fate awaiting it there. If her husband returns home early and finds him there, that will probably be the last time he smells cinnamon.
Who doesn’t love the smell of this popular spice? Did you know it can also be used as an air freshener? Check out this woman’s recipe if you want to get rid of the unsavory smells in your kitchen.
Another wonderful thing about cinnamon is its health benefits which are:
- Is high in a substance with powerful medicinal properties
- Is loaded with antioxidants
- Has anti-inflammatory properties
- May cut the risk of heart disease
- Can improve sensitivity to the hormone Insulin
- Lowers blood sugar levels and has a powerful anti-Diabetic effect
- May have beneficial effects on neurodegenerative diseases
- May protect against cancer
- Helps fight bacterial and fungal infections
- May help fight the HIV virus (Test-tube studies have shown that cinnamon can help fight HIV-1, type of HIV virus in humans)
It is recommended that you use Ceylon (“true” cinnamon) because the Cassia variety contains significant amounts of a compound called coumarin which is believed to be harmful in large doses. You will find Ceylon in some health food stores.
Cinnamon also stimulates hair growth. When applied to the scalp, cinnamon increases circulation to the hair follicles and encourages the growth of new strands. It is also potent antimicrobial which means that it can prevent buildup on the scalp from common problems that cause hair loss like dandruff and fungal infections. You can fight hair loss with the cinnamon and coconut oil hair mask. If you’re interested in how to make it, click here.
Bottom line: Cinnamon smells great, adds flavor to your cereal, desserts and meat dishes and has lots of health benefits.
Sources: Wikipedia; Documentary Tube; Healthline; Woman’s World
Notes to Women 